QR codes and the web

[Rooftop]

Might be talking out of my arse here, as I haven't really done anything with HTML5 yet. However I was under the impression that HTML5 had a method to access native GPS of smart phones.  I presume each mobile OS would then protect this behind a permission check.

Also... trying to remember first visit to G.Maps on android - doesn't that ask permission to access location? 

[Brad]

bill: thanks so much for clarifying.  I know some feature phones are pretty advanced but these sound very advanced.

Right after I posted, walked out the door and tried the bar code scanner app Zwart told me about, on a real estate sign QR next door. The app did ask for permission to send my location after I had scanned.  The process and the technology is pretty neat, all we need to do is modify human behavior in the US and get people used to scanning codes they see on signs, screens and stuff.  I kind of love this intersection point of (mobile) web and dirt world.

[dogboy]

Woke up at a hotel in Key West and read the USA today under my door; article how qr codes are being placed on gravestone now in the NW. $60 upgrade takes you to an obituary, photos, etc.

[bill]

On a gravestone? What happens if it leads to today's equivalent of GeoCities for dead people? In perpetuity with a QR code? That might be pushing it a bit.

[Gurtie]

the websites going down issue does seem to be the main objection - the comments on this article http://mashable.com/2011/07/15/qr-code-tombstone/ are generally about practicalities and whether its better to link to facebook or a dedicated site or a 'memorial specific' site.

[bill]

That's no different to Latin, English or any other communication method

I see what you're saying, but I studied Latin in High School and at least I could pick up my old texts and try to figure out what was written. A QR code would require a capable scanning device and then the hope that the linked site would still be up, or hope that they have a really good version of the Wayback Machine.

[Brad]

Technology is tricky and computer tech changes so fast.  I still have a bunch of documents on 5.25 inch SSDD disks, written in both Wordstar and Perfect Writer word processor formats on the CP/M OS and all pretty much unreadable now.  Those are from the mid - 1980's which is not all that long ago if one starts to think in perpetual memorial terms.

Of course we also have the recording industry: wax cylinders, 78 rpm disks, 45's, LP's, 8-track, Compact Cassette, CD's and now digital downloads with lots of different DRM schemes.

I can't help but think that while the Internet itself may be durable, the information, the individual web pages, are very transient by nature and maybe not right for a lasting memorial. 

Still it's a cool idea.

[Rooftop]

This is quite an interesting use of QR codes coming from Tesco
http://blog.networkmarketingjobs.com/2011/07/11/shopping-for-trains-are-tesco-ahead-of-the-game/

In short: Billboards in train stations that look like shelves full of products.  Each has a qr code.  scan it with your phone and it gets added to you tesco home delivery order.  Link above includes video

I can see the presentation being a short-term gimmick. However the link up to home delivery shopping could apply to pretty much any billboard - particularly for broad-reach retailers like tesco and amazon.

[Rooftop]

I thought the tesco use above was pretty amazing - but no takers

How about wearable QR codes instead?  Got this spammed to me from a staff clothing company.

[Gurtie]

it was, but I'd read it before and didn't bother again

Did you see the UK beach volleyball team QR codes. I swear they'd be impossible to scan

[Rooftop]

The problem is that they pick up the sand.  You need to pat them down a bit first i reckon.

[keano]

I take it you're volunteering Rooftop lol.

[Brad]

The Tesco example is pretty good use of QR code.  Get products right to the shopping cart as much as possible.

A non-commercial use is walking tours, municipalities in historic districts can tell people about buildings and sites with a QR code and a website - slick and low cost.

[Rooftop]

I tried to pitch that use to one of the visitor attraction we're involved with.  Blank looks all round.  In the end they bought a load of iPods to use for walking tours.  I give it about 2 weeks before all 50 have been nicked.

[Brad]

The local arboretum is using QR's on their signs in the Railroad Garden.  It allows the signs to be short and if you want more detailed info you can scan the QR. Worked nice.  One of the volunteers, said they are going to expand the QR codes to all the signs throughout the arboretum and gardens.